The Minister began with a tour of Pasta Foods Ltd – a successful dried pasta and healthy snack manufacturer in Norfolk – where he was pleased to hear the company’s optimism for the opportunities created by our exit from the EU.
He later co-hosted an EU-exit roundtable in Great Yarmouth alongside the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, attended by stakeholders and prominent businesses including Norfolk County Council, Peel Ports, Proserv, and Bernard Matthews.
The Minister heard about the opportunities and challenges that the UK’s exit from the EU could pose to the region and how stakeholders and businesses are preparing.
Minister for Exiting the EU, Steve Baker said:
We remain absolutely committed to achieving an ambitious Brexit deal that works, not only for Norfolk, and the East of England, but for every region in the UK.
Hearing from businesses and stakeholders across a region that voted decisively to leave the EU, was not only informative but also hugely valuable, and I was struck by their optimism for the future.
As we proceed through the negotiations we will go on hearing from stakeholders, to ensure that our discussions are informed by the views of every region of the UK, and each sector of our economy.
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid said:
Today’s visit is an important part of my ongoing discussions with local authorities and their partners as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
I was delighted to see first-hand the excellent work local authorities, LEPs and businesses are doing to promote growth and skills in Great Yarmouth and the East of England.
It was great to see the enthusiasm from local leaders who want to make our exit from the EU a success for the communities they serve.
I want to understand the challenges and opportunities they may face in the coming months and years and I am committed to doing everything possible to support them.
In recent months the Government has stepped up its engagement with businesses across the UK to ensure the voices of British businesses are heard and reflected throughout the exit process.
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